A day later, in the calm waters of the Windless Zone — the first half of the Grand Line — Rhett Vane sat on the throne-like seat of his vessel, gazing ahead. In the distance stood Amazon Lily, the island of the Kuja tribe.
"Finally here," Vane murmured, steering the throne toward the island.
On Amazon Lily, the city was sealed off. It was the most private time of day — when the Snake Princess, Boa Hancock, bathed. To conceal the shameful Hoof of the Flying Dragon scar branded on her back by the Celestial Dragons, Hancock spread the rumor that her back bore a devil's curse that could petrify anyone who looked upon it.
Now, deep within the steamy bathhouse, Hancock sat in the hot water. Her long black hair was damp, framing her face like an elegant hibiscus flower. Recognized as the most beautiful woman in the world, she rivaled the likes of Shirahoshi and Kozuki Hiyori — though neither could match her fame. Clouds of steam swirled around her, hiding her from sight.
Here, away from the world's eyes, she was not the aloof, untouchable empress who struck fear into her enemies. Instead, she curled her arms around her knees, letting her thoughts drift back to the man she could not forget.
It had been over a month since he stormed Mary Geoise, freeing countless slaves from the Celestial Dragons' cruel grasp. In that hellish place, his presence had been like a blazing sun cutting through endless darkness. His actions had even eclipsed those of Fisher Tiger, the legendary liberator of the past.
Two of the Four Emperors had clashed with the World Government during that chaos, and Kaido of the Beasts seemed to share an unusual connection with Vane — almost as if he answered to him.
Hancock had imagined countless times the day she might stand beside Vane, even daring to picture marriage. He was fearless — perhaps the only man in the world she believed to be untouchable. In her eyes, he was no mere mortal… he was a god.
It was then, as the steam swirled around her, that a voice spoke from just behind her.
Startled, she stiffened. She hadn't heard anyone approach — not even her two sisters guarding the entrance. She turned, water splashing around her, and froze.
She could hardly believe it. The man she had been thinking of had suddenly appeared, his presence filling the room. She pinched her own arm, felt the sting, and realized it was no dream.
"Hancock, come here," he said quietly, his voice calm but commanding. "Turn your back to me."
Flustered but obedient, Hancock stepped closer, her movements hesitant. "Vane sama… what is it you wish of me?"
"Your back," he said. "I can remove the Hoof of the Flying Dragon."
At the mention of the mark, Hancock's eyes widened in shock. Only her closest family knew she bore the brand of a Celestial Dragon's slave. That he knew meant he had seen it — and understood her past.
Shame and fear gripped her. What would he think of her now?
Seeing her hesitate, Vane's tone sharpened. "Do you want it gone or not? If you refuse, I'll leave."
Her fists clenched. Heart pounding, she slowly turned around, parting her hair to reveal the ugly scar — a deep, cruel brand burned into her skin, the emblem of her humiliation. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ N()velFire.net
This mark had haunted her for years. While Fisher Tiger's Sun Pirates had turned their own brands into the symbol of the sun, there had never been a way for her to change hers. It was a constant reminder of her past.
Vane stepped closer and placed his hand over the scar. Beneath his palm, she felt a warmth unlike anything she'd known. His life-domain ability, combined with his super-speed regeneration, spread through her back, breaking down the branded flesh and replacing it with smooth, untouched skin.
She didn't need a mirror to know the change — she could feel the scar disappearing. In moments, it was gone, replaced by the unblemished skin she had once thought lost forever.
Vane withdrew his hand. "This ability is useful," he said simply. "Even if someone's body were burned beyond recognition, as long as they lived, I could restore them."
Hancock stood in stunned silence, touching her back. For the first time in years, she felt free.